‘Magical’ production

Dozens of decorated – wolves, beavers, a White Witch and a lion among them – grouped together near an unlit stage with a black backdrop and a single wooden wardrobe.

Beyond that, a magical kingdom that’s home to talking animals, a frosty headwind and an ominous evil – at least as envisioned by the more than 50 children taking part in the Christian Youth Theater of North Idaho’s production of “Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” at Christ the King Church. The musical, based on author C.S. Lewis’ children’s tale, is in its second week at the church, with show times this weekend.

“It’s a new twist on a well-known story, and you’re going to see amazing costumes and sets,” said Jeff Rocco, the musical’s artistic director. “It’s ‘magical,’ we like to say.”

Like a child’s fantasy brought to life, the production is a vivid portrayal of the classic imaginary tale. Four British children climb into a musty wardrobe and discover the Kingdom of Narnia, where the icy White Witch has taken over the land and transformed it into a frozen place. With the help of the lion, Aslan, the kingdom’s wise and rightful leader, the children stand up to the witch in a battle of good versus evil, according to the CYT Web site.

Featuring musical performances, several choreographed fight scenes and many actors sharing the stage at once, CYT’s “Narnia” is a local play unlike any other, with children taking on the lead roles both behind the scenes – where another 13 young crew members control everything from lights to sound – and on center stage. “As far as we know, we are the only children’s theater in Coeur d’Alene by children, for children,” Rocco said.

And it’s made even more memorable by the dozens of creative costumes that each of the 58 cast members don onstage. The youthful influence is unique to the production, but it’s the role of the parents of the cast that helped the characters stand out through makeup and the homemade outfits.

“It really becomes a whole family affair,” Rocco said, adding that “Narnia” is a show that will entertain people of all ages.

The production is the finale for the fall CYT classes offered at Christ the King Church, which are 10-week, after-school courses for children ages 6 to 18 held three times a year in a variety of theater arts. Classes include stunts and combat, dance, drama and improv, and students can audition for the musical showcase at the end of the session.

Taking on the role of “Mrs. Beaver,” 15-year-old aspiring actress Beth Alderink said she’s enjoyed crafting her character and the play during the last seven weeks of rehearsals. “I have a funny role – it’s kind of the comic relief,” she said. “There are a lot of cool costumes and cool people.”